Off to india for 2 weeks - help!!!!!!

POLO_BINT

thats really helpful! thanks so much! exactly what i needed to hear

looking for more places of interest, safe places to dine etc!

I think i will just take sterling and get it changed within hotels etc as and when required... dont want to be left with a shed load of useless dosh!

when i saw the doctor for my jabs etc they said i wouldnt need malara blah blah blah, i think i will grab some tablets like mr lahey said "Malarone" - although the other half isnt keen taking them, I will force feed them to him :P

what suggestions do you have for best insect repellent etc, i have a 9yr old to come home safely to!!!

seemasfriend

I spent 5 months in India last year and have the following advice based on what you have told us so far.

Eat where you see lots of people, stick to vegetarian where you can. I didnt have a single days illness in 5 months!
Take laxatives a well as the other - change in diet affects people different ways
Loo rolls and toiletries can all be bought v cheaply locally including tiger balm which is fantastic for mozzie bites. Local insect repellent is weaker and not v effective so take plenty.
Be prepared for huge distances between places and if you are remotely prone to travel sickness take some Stugeron with you.
A card reader for digital camera so you can transfer photos to disc or internet
I always carry essential meds in hand luggage
Nice to have some typically English gifts to hand for friendly hotel staff and tour guides - I took things like English rose and lavender hand creams, fudge, oatcakes etc
We drew cash out at ATMs - £20 - £50 at a time. Not much dearer and far safer.
Credit cards not widely used but many tourist shops will take it. Look out for official emporiums for shopping - they tend to be better quality if a little dearer but most things are priced. Saves the angst of haggling if you are not comfortable.
Have plenty of space in your luggage for bringing stuff home. Take less than yo ever imagine you will need - so cheap to buy and money goes into local economy.


I am so jealous. You will have a trip of a lifetime.

mvteng

Fatehpur Sikri is definitely worth stopping at.

Its a whole deserted city in the desert. Very impressive.

Have a good time, we loved it.

tjcp

Hi Emma

Just thinking about you the other night.

Hope you've recovered well from your ops and have a fantastic time in India.

POLO_BINT

tjcp wrote: »

Hi Emma

Just thinking about you the other night.

Hope you've recovered well from your ops and have a fantastic time in India.

thinking of me the other night hey;):rotfl: glad i have that affect:D

recovering well, see the surgeon the day we fly out :eek: for the all clear pmfsl!

how's tricks with you hun?

luci

Do you have travel insurance in place and if so, have you declared your recent hospital admissions? If you don't you could invalidate your policy.

Travel insurance is usually at the winner's expense.

Having recent surgery is likely to increase the premium unfortunately.

POLO_BINT

luci wrote: »

Do you have travel insurance in place and if so, have you declared your recent hospital admissions? If you don't you could invalidate your policy.

Travel insurance is usually at the winner's expense.

Having recent surgery is likely to increase the premium unfortunately.

yep! all done! :T

misgrace

You get a lot for your money, I dont know if your going B&B or A1, but food and drink is so cheap.

Also, if you get the right shop, you can get some really great copies of your favourite handbag designers.;)

hairy_g

POLO_BINT wrote: »

hey guys - really need as much advice as I can get please....

won a holiday to india for 2 weeks private tour, fly into delhi then towards the end of the holiday fly to mumbai for the last few days.

problem is....

I HAVE NEVER FLOWN IN MY LIFE

I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO EXPECT

HOW MUCH MONEY I SHOULD TAKE (traveler's cheques or exchange sterling when I get there)

I have spent hours googling but I am overwhelmed by everything - very daunting lol

any tips/advice would be very much appreciated - cheers!

errrmmm..... we fly out on 12th feb!!!!!! Arghhhhhhhhhhhhh

Read my post here: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=24179215&highlight=#post24179215

HGLTsuperstar

OK, few more random thoughts.
Firstly dont change money at the hotel = rip-off. The banks and ATMs are dead safe, you can only go in one at a time into the ATM box and they have security guards on the door
With regards the Taj Mahal - at the moment its too foggy to do the sunrise thing, so wait until about midday as the fog will have cleared and also it'll be a bit less busy.
Will post other bits as I think of them.